We round up our top stories served this month that proved a hit with foodies across The P&J region.
August was an important month for the hospitality industry as the government’s ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ scheme came into force from Mondays to Wednesdays across the nation.
It was a much-needed boost to the sector after months of disruption, uncertainty and, in some cases, loss.
But on The Press and Journal’s food and drink team, we had a whole host of news, features, interviews and polls to offer up – and some tasty treats to try at home.
Popular articles this month include new ventures such as Scotland’s first vegan bakery, the Aberdeenshire farm featured in a new music video, as well as a whole host of recipes covering baking, brunch and dinner.
Don’t forget to sign up to our weekly newsletter here, which is delivered to your inbox every Thursday afternoon, and let us know of any food and drink stories at foodanddrink@dctmedia.co.uk.
1. Scotland’s first craft vegan bakery to open in Aberdeenshire
Good news for vegan bakery fans as the north-east is about to play home to the nation’s first craft vegan bakery, which is set to open in the next few months. First launched from his home over lockdown, owner Steve Buchan has secured new business premises and will be supplying even more vegan-friendly baked goods such as yum-yums and doughnuts to locals and beyond by Christmas.
2. Aberdeenshire farm features in Pharrell Williams and Jay-Z’s new music video
Food journalist Julia Bryce broke the story that local Aberdeenshire farm, The Artisan Grower, had featured in a new music video by superstars Pharrell Williams and Jay-Z. Our readers loved the story too as farm owners Michelle and Robert Sullivan were contacted to appear in the video which showcased black entrepreneurs from around the world.
3. Cloud bread: The latest foodie trend that’s taking over our social media feeds
One of the biggest trends to hit the internet this past month was cloud bread – originally created as part of the Keto diet, the easy-to-make bread saw a resurgence on video app TitTok as people across the world began making their own versions of the photogenic creations.
4. Sweet treats: This coffee and hazelnut Eton mess will keep your dessert in order
Our Sunday evening Sweet Treats series proved popular this month, as this recipe for a coffee-based Eton mess found its way into our top five most-read articles. Making the most of strawberries and without needing much more than a handful of ingredients (including ready-made meringue nests that can be easily found in the shops), this dessert idea is sure to be a hit at your next dinner party.
5. Sweet treats: Curd cake with caramelised apples
Another popular sweet treat recipe among our readers in August was this curd cake with caramelised apples. Easier to make than you might think, why not use this as a way to get one more helping of your five a day? It counts if it’s in cake, right?
6. Sweet Treats: Get your tastebuds tingling with this banana raspberry nut loaf
Yet another of the Sweet Treat clan to prove a hit in August was this different take on banana bread, which makes the most of raspberries and chopped hazelnuts. As always, the food and drink team is on hand to sample any cakes and bakes you need taste tested. So, give this one a go and let us know what you think at foodanddrink@dctmedia.co.uk
7. Will the ‘eat out to help out’ meal discount be the shot in the arm the eateries need?
One of the things that August 2020 will arguably be remembered for is the government’s ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ scheme to encourage people to dine out at local restaurants in the hope that it provides a boost following a tumultuous few months during lockdown. Food and drink team leader Clare Johnston took a closer look at whether the incentive really was the kind of initiative beleagured businesses needed.
8. Aunt Kate’s Kitchen: Three 1930s recipes to try that show honey was just as prominent in baking then as it is today
One of our weekly regulars, Aunt Kate, showcases the “original domestic goddess’s” recipes from the early 1900s, as were featured in the People’s Journal and People’s Friend. Her baking recipes have been a hit for months, as this one using local honey as an ingredient shows.
9. Midweek Meal: How to make this scrumptious pasta carbonara with a rosy red salad
Our Midweek Meal series has also proven popular these past few months, as this recipe for carbonara and a sumptuous red salad showed. Easy to make after a busy day at work or even as a filling lunch over the weekend, carbonara is always a hit.
10. Kids’ Kitchen: Brilliant bakes to help pep up the school lunchbox
A regular from our food and drink magazine, The Menu, is the Kids’ Kitchen series which features various recipes that little cooks and chefs can get involved in making. This one gives some ideas for homemade treats they can add to their lunchboxes as they head back to school.
Read more in this series…